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2 fatalities

Aircraft Shot Down on Final Approach to Tiên Phước (63-9723)

Tiên Phước, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On December 26, 1969, a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (registration 63-9723) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Tiên Phước, Vietnam during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by enemy fire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was struck by enemy fire during final approach to Tiên Phước, causing it to crash short of the runway. The copilot survived; the other two occupants were killed.

Incident Overview During final approach to Tiên Phước, the aircraft was struck by a mortar shell. The impact rendered the aircraft uncontrollable, and it subsequently dove into the ground, crashing a few kilometers short of the runway threshold. ## Casualties The copilot survived the crash. The other two occupants were killed. The crew consisted of 1st Lt David Bicknel Bowling, 1st Lt R. J. Patterson, and T/Sgt E. J. Welch. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or exact location beyond the approach to Tiên Phước.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Dec 1969 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident near Tiên Phước, Vietnam?

An aircraft was struck by enemy fire during final approach to Tiên Phước, causing it to crash short of the runway. The copilot survived; the other two occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 1969 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Dec 1969 involved a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou, registration 63-9723, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Tiên Phước, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by enemy fire

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